Bike safety campaign launched to reduce lives lost on roads

DRIVERS and bikers are being warned to look out for each other on the roads this summer.

Motorcycle accidents tend to rise in the summer as more bikers take advantage of the warm, dry weather.

During 2013, seven of the 11 motorcycle deaths on Hampshire roads occurred in a four week period between July 2 and 21.

Bikers represent only one per cent of road traffic, but account for 20 per cent of road fatalities.

Riders are being reminded that they still need to wear protective clothing during the hot weather.

Hampshire County Council is stepping up its biker awareness campaign by installing bike safety posters on key routes, which feature the Think Bike and Bikers Think messages.

A bus advertising campaign has also been launched called Think Bike Think Biker!

It will feature on double decker buses across Hampshire to remind motorists to take longer to look for bikes.

Councillor Sean Woodward, executive member for economy, environment and transport at Hampshire County Council, said: “Sadly last year there were 11 motorcycle deaths on the county’s roads. We want to help prevent further accidents by increasing safety awareness amongst riders and car drivers.

“Many riders are injured at junctions when vehicles pull out, others crash as a result of entering a bend too fast. Our message to driver is ‘think bike’ and always take longer to look for motorcyclists especially at junctions and when overtaking, give a second glance to really check it’s safe to manoeuvre as they could be hidden in your blind spot.”

Sergeant Rob Heard, road safety sergeant for Hampshire Constabulary, added: “We are still having too many motorcyclists killed and seriously injured on our roads, some of these are due to motorists not seeing approaching motorcyclists and others are to do with the actions of the motorcyclist themselves.”